Multiple Choice
Why are soils in tropical rain forests not well suited for intensive farming?
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35. Soil
Soil and Nutrients
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In many terrestrial ecosystems, which nutrient is most commonly a limiting factor for plant growth?
A
Carbon dioxide (CO2)
B
Nitrogen (N)
C
Sodium (Na)
D
Helium (He)
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of a limiting nutrient: In ecology, a limiting nutrient is the essential element that is in shortest supply relative to the needs of organisms, thus restricting their growth.
Recognize that plants require several key nutrients for growth, including macronutrients like nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), as well as carbon (from CO2), and micronutrients.
Consider the availability of these nutrients in terrestrial ecosystems. While carbon dioxide is abundant in the atmosphere, other nutrients like nitrogen often exist in forms that plants cannot directly use or are present in limited amounts in the soil.
Recall that nitrogen is a critical component of amino acids, proteins, and nucleic acids, making it essential for plant development, and its scarcity often limits plant growth in many terrestrial environments.
Conclude that among the options given, nitrogen (N) is the most commonly limiting nutrient for plant growth in terrestrial ecosystems.
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